Top 5 staycation destinations in Northern Ireland
If you’ve recently arrived or currently studying at INTO Queen’s University Belfast, you’ll be eager start exploring some of the amazing places Northern Ireland has to offer.
Some of our staff at INTO Queen’s shared pictures from their staycations during the summer months.
As a student with #INTOQueens, you can explore many of Ireland’s hidden gems on a day trip or a weekend getaway from Belfast.
Are you excited to start planning your next trip? Keep reading to find more…
Go on a road trip to visit the Giant’s Causeway
The perfect day trip on a sunny day, a road trip to visit the Giant’s Causeway is a must! The Giant’s Causeway, renowned for its vast beauty, is Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The unique rock formations at the Giant’s Causeway were formed 50 to 60 million years ago, resulting from successive flows of lava inching toward the coast and cooling when they contacted the sea.
Plan a weekend getaway to the North Coast
Located just 1 hour from Belfast, here you can explore many hidden gems from dramatic coastlines, stunning beaches, coastal harbors, Game of Thrones film sites and of course the famous Giant’s Causeway.
For all whiskey lovers, don’t forget to take a tour at the Bushmills Distillery. If you’re not afraid of heights, you could even dare to take a trek across the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.
Follow in the footsteps of the Game of Thrones legends
Did you know the stunning coastline and countryside across Northern Ireland was used for filming Game of Thrones? If you’re a major fan, you could visit over 20 film locations around the country.
Students at INTO Queen’s often visit The Dark Hedges on a day trip from Belfast, the spectacular site serving as the Kingsroad. An ideal place for the perfect selfie!
Immerse yourself in nature at Rostrevor
Rostrevor is a village and townland in County Down, easily accessible on a day trip from Belfast.
You could visit Kilbroney Forest Park or Rostrevor Forest, home to mountain biking trails, walking trails and stunning views overlooking Carlingford Lough. Or take a long weekend and explore the Mourne Mountains or the Mourne Coastal Route if you have more time.
Get away from it all in County Donegal
County Donegal is the perfect weekend getaway if you want to switch off and escape the busyness of city life.
These pictures were taken at Ards Forest Park and Ards Friary, a beautiful forest park with a variety of walking trails overlooking the sea and rugged coastline.
In Northern Ireland you don’t have to travel far from Belfast to find wide open spaces, and stunning new places to explore. Get out there and get exploring!
You may also like to read about the Top things to do in Belfast.
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